Rolex Datejust 6105

Buying Advice

About the Rolex Datejust 6105 (Ovettone)

The Rolex Datejust 6105 is the early 1950s successor to the original reference 4467, and the first Datejust to begin carrying the "Datejust" signature on the dial. Produced from approximately 1951 through the mid-1950s, the 6105 retains the thick "Ovettone" bubble-back case in a 36mm Oyster format, paired with an engine-turned (or in some examples, fluted) bezel and the Super Oyster crown. Pre-owned examples are rare, and every Rolex 6105 listed by WatchGuys is authenticated by our in-house watchmakers and backed by our 2-year warranty. This is the transitional Datejust, the reference that bridged the original 4467 and the long-running five-digit references that followed.

What separates the 6105 from its predecessor is variety. Where the 4467 was sold only in 18k yellow gold, the 6105 expanded into 18k rose gold, two-tone steel and gold, and a small number of stainless steel examples. Some 6105 dials carry the "Datejust" name and others do not, making this one of the most collectible transitional references in the Rolex catalog. Browse the full Rolex Datejust collection for every subsequent generation, or read the Rolex Datejust Buyer's Guide for the complete reference history.

Where the Rolex 6105 Fits in the Datejust Line

The reference 6105 sits between the original Rolex Datejust 4467 (1945 to 1949) and the long-running Rolex Datejust 1601 (late 1950s into the late 1970s) in the broader vintage Rolex timeline. As an early 1950s reference in solid 18k gold or two-tone configuration, the 6105 also belongs in the gold Rolex category, and its 36mm case puts it in the original 36mm Rolex proportion that has defined the brand for 80 years. Two-tone 6105 examples often shipped on the Rolex Jubilee bracelet, the same bracelet design that debuted with the 4467 in 1945.

Rolex Datejust 6105 Price

The Rolex 6105 trades primarily as a collector reference, and pricing reflects its rarity, dial originality, case sharpness, and material. Pre-owned examples generally range from approximately $10,000 to $25,000+, with desirable configurations like rose gold cases, "red date" wheels, "Officially Certified Chronometer" dials with original patina, and unpolished cases commanding the top of the range. Two-tone steel and gold examples on original Jubilee bracelets, particularly with early "no lug hole" cases, can also reach the upper end. Stainless steel 6105 examples are exceptionally rare and trade at significant premiums when they appear at auction.

Rolex 6105 vs. Rolex 4467

The 6105 is the direct successor to the Rolex Datejust 4467, but the differences matter. The 4467 was sold only in 18k yellow gold and never carried "Datejust" on the dial. The 6105 expanded the material range to include rose gold, two-tone steel and gold, and rare steel examples, and it is the first reference where Rolex began signing "Datejust" on the dial (transitional, with both signed and unsigned examples in circulation). Both references share the 36mm Ovettone case profile and the bubble-back automatic movement family. The 4467 is the historical first. The 6105 is the reference where the Datejust name became official.

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Why Buy a Rolex 6105 From WatchGuys

Buying a pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6105 for sale is a collector-level decision, and the dealer you choose matters as much as the watch you select. WatchGuys brings over 30 years of Rolex expertise to every vintage transaction, with in-house authentication, transparent listings, and full buyer protection on every piece.

Common Questions

Rolex Datejust 6105 FAQ

• What is the Rolex Datejust 6105?

  The Rolex Datejust 6105 is the early 1950s Datejust reference that succeeded the original 4467. Produced from approximately 1951 through the mid-1950s, it features a 36mm Oyster "Ovettone" bubble-back case, the Caliber A296 automatic chronometer movement, an engine-turned or fluted bezel, the Super Oyster crown, and an acrylic crystal without a Cyclops lens. It was sold in 18k yellow gold, 18k rose gold, two-tone steel and gold, and a small number of rare stainless steel configurations.

• Is the Rolex 6105 an Ovettone or Bubble Back?

  Both terms apply. "Ovettone" is Italian for "big egg," and "Bubble Back" is the English collector equivalent. Both nicknames describe the thick, rounded case profile required to accommodate the early automatic rotor movement used in the 1940s and early 1950s. The 6105 is a direct continuation of the Ovettone case design that began with the 4467.

• How Much Does a Rolex 6105 Cost?

  Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 6105 prices typically range from approximately $10,000 to $25,000+ depending on material, dial originality, case condition, and provenance. Rose gold examples, red date wheel dials, and "Officially Certified Chronometer" dials with original patina sit at the top of the range. Two-tone steel and gold examples on original Jubilee bracelets are popular mid-range options. Rare stainless steel 6105 watches can command significant premiums at auction.

• Does the Rolex 6105 Say "Datejust" on the Dial?

  It depends on the specific example. The 6105 is the transitional reference where Rolex began signing "Datejust" on the dial, but not every 6105 has the name. Earlier production examples often read only "Oyster Perpetual" with a date aperture, while later examples added "Datejust" beneath the Oyster Perpetual line. Both configurations are authentic and correct for the reference, and both are collectible.

• What Movement Does the Rolex 6105 Use?

  The Rolex 6105 is powered by the Caliber A296, an 18-jewel automatic chronometer movement from the bubble-back family. Some later examples are fitted with the Caliber 745. Both movements share the thick rotor design that gives the Ovettone case its signature profile, and both are chronometer-certified, in keeping with Rolex's commitment to precision in the 1950s.

• What Is the Difference Between the Rolex 6105 and the 6104?

  The 6104 and 6105 are sibling references produced in the same era with the same case, movement, and dial options. The difference is the bezel. The 6104 uses a smooth bezel, while the 6105 uses an engine-turned or fluted bezel. Both are correctly classified as early Datejust references, and both share the same Ovettone case profile and Caliber A296 movement family. Bezel preference is the primary deciding factor between the two for collectors.

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